Scenic New Zealand Kiwi-Rail

7 Destinations | Auckland Rotorua Wellington Kaikoura Christchurch Franz Josef Queenstown Christchurch

DAY 5Rotorua/Hamilton/WellingtonCLOSE

This morning you will be driven by private car to Hamilton from where you will depart aboard the Northern Explorer Train* to Wellington.  Travel through the rolling countryside of the North Island, past volcanic mountains and the lush farmlands of the Manawatu Region.  On arrival into Wellington you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.  (Overnight Rotorua) B 

**Please note this rail service only runs Monday, Thursday and Saturday.  

DAY 6Wellington To KaikouraCLOSE

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the ferry terminal, then cross the Cook Strait and majestic Queen Charlotte Sound onboard the Interislander ferry service to Picton.  Here head to the station for the scenic Coastal Pacific Train* to Kaikoura where you will be shuttled to your hotel.   

Kaikoura, meaning “to eat crayfish”, is a coastal town known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population, which are spotted 95% of the year.  The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway winds from the town centre to lookout points at Point Kean. Close by, the rock platforms are home to a colony of New Zealand fur seals. The 1800s Fyffe House is a cottage built on a foundation of whalebones, with displays on the town’s whaling past. (Overnight Kaikoura) B 

** The Coastal Pacific is a seasonal train, running from Spring (October) through to Autumn (April).  Between April-October, the rail service will be replaced by coach. 

DAY 7Whale Watching In Kaikoura – ChristchurchCLOSE

Today head out on the Pacific Ocean to enjoy a Whale Watch experience by modern purpose-built catamaran and enjoy an exciting close-up encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment.  The upwelling of nutrient rich waters around Kaikoura support an abundant and diverse fauna of vertebrates, fish and marine mammals.  At times you may also see Dusky Dolphins and the rare Hector Dolphins, NZ fur seals, sea lions and a large variety of seabirds including the smallest of the penguins, the little Blue Penguin.  Spend around three hours on the water before heading back to land to collect your bags and boarding the Coastal Pacific Train* again, heading through the rich Waipara wine district to Christchurch.  (Overnight Christchurch) B 

** The Coastal Pacific is a seasonal train, running from Spring (October) through to Autumn (April).  Between April-October, the rail service will be replaced by coach

DAY 8Christchurch To Franz JosefCLOSE

Transfer by shared shuttle from the hotel to the railway station, then depart Christchurch on the spectacular Tranz Alpine train to Greymouth.  Travel over gorges on viaducts that were an engineering feat of their time then after a short stop at Arthur’s Pass, climb the Southern Alps and pass through the 8kms Otira Tunnel before arriving at the old mining town.  From here you’ll ride the comfortable coach service down the Tasman Sea coastline to Franz Josef. The landscape here is dominated by the national park’s two largest glaciers, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, the only glaciers in the world that descend into lowland rainforest.  On arrival settle into your hotel for an overnight stay.  (Overnight Franz Josef) B 

DAY 9Franz Josef/QueenstownCLOSE

Depart Franz Josef this morning again by coach, heading south to Queenstown.  The journey passes through dense forest then crosses the Southern Alps via the Haast Pass and through the Kawarau Gorge.  Queenstown is blessed with being surrounded by majestic mountains and being set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has made a name for itself as being the adventure capital of New Zealand! On arrival you will be taken to your hotel for the next three nights. (Overnight Queenstown) B 

DAY 10QueenstownCLOSE

Discover more about Queenstown on a guided tour this morning, with panoramic views from Queenstown Hill and some wine tasting at Gibbston Valley.  After lunch enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure. (Overnight Queenstown) B 

DAY 11Milford Sound Day TripCLOSE

This morning you will be collected from the hotel for a full day tour by coach travelling around the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu and across the picturesque Southland countryside to Te Anau and into the dramatic landscape of the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.  Stop at the Mirror Lakes to see the near perfect reflections of the mountains in the calm waters then take a short walk to the Chasm and see where the waters disappear into the rocks before arriving in Milford Sound.  Cruise the fiord past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea enjoying the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, steep cliff faces and marine life that inhabits these waters.  Picnic box lunch is included, and your nature guide will give a commentary on the interesting features of the area.  Return to Queenstown by coach in the evening or take the option of a scenic flights from Milford Sound to Queenstown (at an extra cost).  (Overnight Queenstown) B

DAY 12QueenstownCLOSE

Enjoy a day of leisure in the adventure capital of New Zealand, and perhaps try one of the many activities available.  Whether its bungy jumping, 4WD exploration of Middle Earth or a vintage steam cruise on Lake Wakatipu there is something for everyone here!  (Overnight Queenstown) B 

DAY 13Queenstown/Mount Cook/ChristchurchCLOSE

Setting off from Queenstown, travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the ruggedly beautiful landscape and over the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country.  Stop off at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain where there is time to stop for lunch (included) and a chance to enjoy the amazing alpine scenery.  According to Maori legend, the boy Aoraki and his brothers once hit a reef in their canoe. When they climbed to the higher side of the tilting vessel, the cold south wind froze them, turning them into stone.  Aoraki and family now form the Southern Alps, which you will see in all their glory on this tour.  During your stop at Mount Cook Village there is also the opportunity to take a scenic flight over this spectacular region (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver guide on the day).  In the afternoon, travel past Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd against the backdrop of this vivid blue glacier-fed lake.  Continue through the diverse farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City, and head to your hotel for your final night.  (Overnight Christchurch) B 

DAY 14End Of TourCLOSE

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking your car the airport for your flight home, or to continue your travels elsewhere. B